USE OF ACUPUNCTURE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Abstract

ADHD is a common neuropsychiatric problem affecting 7-9% of children, the defining features of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, commonly present early in life and cause impairment before age 7 year. These behavioral manifestations contribute to diminished academic, occupational and social functioning having neurobiological bases. There are 3 subtypes 1-Hyperactive impulsive subtype. 2 –Inattentive subtype. 3-Combined(hyperactive/ impulsive and inattentive)subtype. Since the origin of ADHD is unclear which limit the pharmacological effectiveness and makes adverse effects common researchers are developing more effective and safe treatments. This study was conducted upon 50 patients having a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) of any subtype according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM IV), 44 boys (88%) and 6 girls (12%) their ages ranged between 6 and 12 years with a mean value of 8.0±1.41 The children were recruited from both Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics of children with special needs carein the Institute ofPost Graduate Childhood Studies ( IPCS), Ain Shams University, and a Acupuncture Outpatient Clinic inNational Research Centre (NRC),after approval of the medical ethical committees of bothNRC and IPCS, Ain ShamsUniversity,Also written consent was taken from all patient s guardiance prior to the study.